Publications

Perceptions and impact of ten years of CAIeRO at the University of Northampton

This report summarises the findings of research with University teaching staff, looking at the impact and perceptions of the CAIeRO approach to course (re-)design at Northampton during the ten year period 2008-2018. The research was conducted by Robert Farmer and Julie Usher, Learning Designers at the University.

This research, conducted with undergraduate students, was carried out in order to inform and support the process of pedagogical change at the University of Northampton as Active Blended Learning becomes the normal mode of delivery for learning and teaching. The research was undertaken by Elizabeth Palmer, then a Learning Designer at the University, Dr Sylvie Lomer, formerly a Learning Development tutor at Northampton and now a Lecturer in Education at the University of Manchester, and Ivelina Bashliyska, student and project Research Assistant.

Case Studies 2013-2014

We value the range of ways we understand what being a Changemaker Campus means. Some of these conceptions have been captured in Case Study 1 and are reflected through the examples in this year’s publication. Importantly, we have included examples of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities, as we recognise how these provide powerful learning opportunities, too.

The University of Northampton is recognised as a leader in social innovation education, and this is reflected in its designation as the UK’s first AshokaU ‘Changemaker Campus’. It is relevant to consider how employability and Changemaker principles are embedded into the University’ teaching and learning activities. In March 2014, the University’s Institute of Learning and Teaching launched a project called Embedding Changemaker into the Curriculum (EmbedCM).

Personal Academic Tutoring is integral to the University of Northampton’s holistic approach to supporting student success. Personal Academic Tutors, or ‘PATs’, provide an extra layer of academic and pastoral support, beyond what is offered by the module tutor and programme leader, to an assigned number of students. We hope the contents of the booklet are meaningful to your own practice and, ultimately, in supporting our students to achieve their personal, academic and professional goals.

Outside the Box Assessment and Feedback Practices

The University’s approach to quality enhancement of learning and teaching recognises the importance of sharing good practice. Through mechanisms, such as Outside the Box Assessment and Feedback Practices, we are able to identify excellent ideas in ‘niche’ areas and transfer them into ‘mainstream’ use.